WOOD DETERIORATION home inspections

WOOD DETERIORATION NOTED ON BUILDING MEMBER:
Wood deterioration occurs when wood gets wet and cannot dry out with the circulation of air. A fungus starts and feeds on the wood, leaving it weak and soft. It can be found between boards, especially decks, between stucco and wood, in wood which touches earth, or anywhere there is moisture and no air circulation. If you let a little air in and stop the moisture, the fungus will usually subside. An example of wood deterioration (in fact, a classic condition) is in roof sheathing at the eaves and fascia trim. Many buildings are topped with asphalt shingles over a gable or hip roof. Ideally these roofs should have drip edge type "L" shaped flashing around the roof sheathing edges-more often they do not. Over time, some moisture is bound to "wick" back up into the roof sheathing and gradually weaken it. With time, deterioration may extend up the roof sheathing a foot or more. Deterioration can occur on any wood building member. The inspector will try to indicate, in the report, where the affected areas are. Any repairs necessary will depend on the extent of damage. .. It is not uncommon for this condition to go unnoticed by the owner for many years. Exterior trim boards may be replaced by the owner, but larger structural members should be replaced by a General Contractor. Roof sheathing is usually replaced by the Roofing Contractor during reroofing or may be required as a result of a Termite Inspection. The inspector will usually indicate the extent of damage in the report. Use this as a guide to determine whether to call a Contractor. Check the Pest Inspection Report for additional information and other locations of wood deterioration, if any

The above information was provided by TWI Systems Copyright 1995-2005 1-800-553-5660

File last updated February 07, 2012 * Copyright © 2012 All rights reserved by: Accurate Inspections, Inc. A New Jersey home inspection firm 56 Woodland Drive, Woodland Park (formerly West Paterson) NJ 07424 973-812-5100 providing New Jersey Certified Home Inspections in NJ, by New Jersey Licensed home inspectors. Inspector of record Michael Del Greco, New Jersey Home Inspector License GI 0121.